A Comparison Between the Effects of Manual Therapy Plus Sexual Advice With Manual Therapy Alone in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Study Protocol

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Objective: </jats:bold>The aim of this study is to compare the effects of manual therapy plus sexual advice (MT+SA) with manual therapy alone (MTA) in the management of individuals with low back pain (LBP). <jats:bold>Methods: </jats:bold>A total of 208 individuals diagnosed with LBP secondary to lumbar disk herniation with radiculopathy (LDHR) will be randomly (computer-generated block randomization) assigned into 2 treatment groups; 104 participants each in (MT+SA) and (MTA) groups. Each participant will be assessed at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intervention and then at 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. Outcomes to be assessed will include both self-report (pain, disability, sciatica bothersomeness and sciatica frequency), and objective outcomes (gait speed and dynamic isometric abdominal strength). Repeated measures ANOVA with intervention (MT+SA and MTA) as the between-subject variable and time (weeks 4, 8 and 12, months 6, 9 and 12) as the within-subject variable will be used to analyze treatment effects. <jats:bold>Discussion:</jats:bold> This study will determine if the addition of sexual advice to manual therapy will yield better outcomes than when manual therapy alone is administered to individuals with LBP secondary to LDHR. <jats:bold>Trial Registration:</jats:bold> Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR202002785212512.</jats:p>